Gambling and alcohol consumption are prevalent behaviours among Australian youths and young adults, often leading to various social and health-related harms. The “Bets ’n’ Booze” study, conducted in September 2024 by the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), delved into the contexts, harms, and predictors associated with the simultaneous use of gambling and alcohol in individuals aged 16 to 35 years.
Research Approach
The research deployed a mixed-methods approach, consisting of an online survey of 1,168 participants who had engaged in gambling within the past year and in-depth interviews with 18 individuals from this group who reported concurrent gambling and alcohol use.
Key Findings
The findings revealed that approximately half of the survey participants frequently consumed alcohol while gambling. Licensed venues were identified as common settings facilitating this co-consumption, with social interactions—such as gatherings with friends, partners, or family members—often serving as the primary motivation.
The study’s participants were predominantly male (64%), with a significant portion aged between 26 and 35 years (58%). Most were employed (87%), and about a third were students (31%). The sample included individuals from all Australian states and territories, with the majority residing in major cities (70%). Gambling participation was high, with electronic gambling machines (EGMs) being the most popular among both males and females. Males were actively involved in sports betting and horse racing, while females showed higher participation in lotteries and instant scratch tickets.
Initiation into gambling and alcohol use frequently occurred around the age of 18, with some individuals starting even earlier. This early exposure was often perceived as a rite of passage in Australian culture. However, underage engagement in these activities was linked to increased risks of gambling and alcohol-related harms in adulthood. Despite a significant portion of the sample being at risk of gambling-related harm, the majority did not seek assistance, often because they did not recognize the need for help. For those who desired help but did not pursue it, embarrassment was the most commonly cited barrier.
Frequent gambling was common, with 45% of participants engaging in gambling activities weekly. Males reported higher frequencies in sports and racing events, whereas both genders had similar rates of weekly participation in pokies and lotteries. The study also assessed gambling-related harms using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), revealing that about two-thirds of participants were at some risk of experiencing gambling-related harms. Males exhibited higher prevalence rates of at-risk gambling compared to females.
Participants conveyed various harms associated with gambling, including financial difficulties, negative impacts on employment or studies, health issues, and strained relationships. On average, individuals experienced between one and two gambling-related harms in the past year. Commonly reported issues included reduced spending on recreational activities, feelings of regret, and increased alcohol consumption. In-depth interviews highlighted the mental toll of gambling, with some participants expressing feelings of depression and anxiety following significant losses.
Alcohol use was prevalent among participants, with males reporting higher frequencies of consumption. A very high sample of both males and females consumed alcohol above the recommended guidelines, with many engaging in heavy episodic drinking.
Co-consumption of gambling and alcohol was widespread, with 80% of participants reporting some frequency of alcohol use while gambling. About half indicated that they often or always drank while gambling. These participants often combined these activities and had higher PGSI scores, suggesting an increased risk of gambling-related harms. Licensed venues were a common destination for co-consumption, providing easy access to both gambling opportunities and alcohol. Some participants noted that alcohol consumption led to more impulsive gambling behaviors and higher expenditures.
Social factors played a significant role in gambling behaviors, with many participants viewing gambling as a social activity. The presence of friends and family often influenced gambling and drinking habits, with males more likely to gamble with friends and females with partners or family members. Despite the high prevalence of at-risk gambling behaviours, help-seeking was low. The majority of participants did not see a need for assistance, and among those who did, embarrassment was a key barrier. Some individuals emphasised the value of peer support and counseling in addressing gambling issues.
Key Takeaway
The study’s findings have policy implications for governments at home and abroad in understanding the impact and harm gambling and alcohol consumption have, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of age restrictions in licensed venues, increased awareness and education about the harms of co-consuming gambling and alcohol, gender-responsive prevention and treatment strategies, and efforts to de-stigmatise help-seeking for gambling-related harms.
The importance of addressing these issues is important in mitigating the social and health impacts of gambling and alcohol use among Australian youths and young adults.